WO1997015182A1 - Elastomeric closure spring - Google Patents
Elastomeric closure spring Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1997015182A1 WO1997015182A1 PCT/US1996/017061 US9617061W WO9715182A1 WO 1997015182 A1 WO1997015182 A1 WO 1997015182A1 US 9617061 W US9617061 W US 9617061W WO 9715182 A1 WO9715182 A1 WO 9715182A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- blocks
- recited
- closure
- elastomer
- mounting plates
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Ceased
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D46/00—Picking of fruits, vegetables, hops, or the like; Devices for shaking trees or shrubs
- A01D46/28—Vintaging machines, i.e. grape harvesting machines
Definitions
- the present invention relates to mobile harvesters such as grape and raisin harvesters.
- metallic springs were used to provide a spring force for closure plates used on such harvesters.
- the inventive harvester uses elastomeric material to provide a spring force for closure plates.
- Figure 1 is a side view of an inventive harvester.
- Figure 2 is a cut away top view of the inventive harvester shown in Figure 1 along lines 2-2.
- Figure 3 is a perspective view of the enclosure plate and spring used in the harvester of Figure 1.
- Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosure plate mounted on a rail of the harvester. DESCRD7TION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
- die means for removing 60 comprises a first U-shape yoke 18 and a second U-shape yoke 20.
- a first horizontal collar 72 is welded to the first U-shape yoke 18.
- a second horizontal collar 73 is welded to the second U-shape yoke 20.
- the first horizontal collar 72 and second horizontal collar 73 are bolted to a force balanced shaker or some other shaking means by bolts 74.
- a plurality of rods 26 are mechanically connected to each U-shaped yoke 18, 20.
- closure wings 43 Below the rods 26 are two rows of a plurality of closure wings 43. The location between the two rows of closure wings 43 is defined as the center of the harvester 30.
- the closure wings 43 are flat and angled.
- a first side of a catching plate 47 is adjacent to the closure wings 43, and a second side of the catching plate 47 ends above a conveyor 66.
- the catching plates are pivoted by a plant passing through the machine.
- FIG 3 illustrates a perspective view of a closure wing 43 and a elastomer closure spring 44.
- the elastomer closure spring 44 comprises an elastomer block 48, bonded to a first mounting plate 45 and a second mounting plate 46.
- the first plate mounting 45 and the second mounting plate 46 each have a plurality of bolt holes 49 to provide a means for mounting.
- Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the enclosure plate 43 and the elastomer closure spring 44 mounted on a rail 51 forming part of the harvester frame 33.
- First mounting bolts 52 are used to mechanically connect the first mounting plate 45 to the rail 51.
- Second mounting bolts 53 are used to mechanically connect the second mounting plate 46 to the closure wing 43.
- the elastomer block 48 bonded between the first mounting plate 45 and the second mounting plate 46 is concave as shown.
- the side of the elastomeric block 48 bonded to the first mounting plate 45 is angled with respect to the side of the elastomeric block 48 bonded to the second mounting plate 46, so that the first mounting plate 45 is angled with respect to the second mounting plate 46.
- This angled relationship provides a desired angled relationship between the closure wing 43 and the rail 51, without requiring shims to provide such an angle.
- the casting of the elastomer block 48 can provide any desired angle.
- the elastomer block 48 provides elastic movement in many directions, instead of in the single direction provided by a metal spring and pivot. The design is symmetrical so that there is no left or right, no top or bottom; only a front and back.
- each closure wing 43 has a elastomeric closure spring 44
- each harvester 30 there are a plurality of elastomeric closure springs 44, requiring a plurality of first mounting plates 45, a plurality of second mounting plates 46, and a plurality of elastomeric blocks 48, wherein each elastomeric block 48 is bonded between a first mounting plate 45 and a second mounting plate 46.
- an operator steers the harvester 30, so that grape or other plants to be harvested are placed between the closure wings 43.
- the elastomer closure springs 44 flex allowing the plant to pass between the two rows of closure wings 43.
- the means for harvesting 60 causes fruit, such as grapes or berries, to dislodge from the plant and fall to the closure wings 43 and catching plates 47 below.
- the angle of the closure wings 43 cause the fruit to slide to the conveyors 66, which transport the fruit to a storage means.
- the elastomer block may be rubber or any rubber like plastic.
- the elastomer block may be in the shape of a rectangular block or other shapes such as a concave block as shown in Figures 3 and 4 to minimize force at the corners.
- the bolts 80 holding the rails 51 may provide a means for adjusting the angle of the rails 51, which adjust the angle of the closure wings 43 according to use.
- An elastomer closure spring is able to handle such forces in different directions.
- Metal torsion springs are difficult to manufacture with consistent spring characteristics and shape.
- Elastomer closure springs are easier to manufacture in consistent spring characteristics and shape. Because of the many parts and difficult assembly, metal torsion springs have a high yearly maintenance for replacing various parts that need to be replaced each season. Metal torsion springs have a top and bottom and also a left and right, meaning they are not completely interchangeable, thus making assembly more tedious. Elastomer closure springs may be made completely interchangeable.
- the mounting plates of metal torsion springs normally need to be parallel, requiring a shim to provide a connection between non-parallel surfaces, although sometimes the metal mounting plates are welded at the angle needed.
- the mounting plates of an elastomer closure spring may be easily made non-parallel to provide a built in angle without shims.
- This closure system may also be used on the outer side of a harvester which harvests on only one side at a time.
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Harvesting Machines For Specific Crops (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU75206/96A AU7520696A (en) | 1995-10-25 | 1996-10-24 | Elastomeric closure spring |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/547,855 US5647194A (en) | 1995-10-25 | 1995-10-25 | Elastomer closure spring |
| US08/547,855 | 1995-10-25 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO1997015182A1 true WO1997015182A1 (en) | 1997-05-01 |
Family
ID=24186428
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US1996/017061 Ceased WO1997015182A1 (en) | 1995-10-25 | 1996-10-24 | Elastomeric closure spring |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5647194A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU7520696A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997015182A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2939273A1 (en) * | 2008-12-10 | 2010-06-11 | Pellenc Sa | SMALL FRUIT RECOVERY MACHINE FRUIT TREE PRODUCTS |
| FR2983677A1 (en) * | 2011-12-13 | 2013-06-14 | Gregoire | Harvest collection device for use with harvesting machine, has envelope deformed when each shell is pivoted into avoidance position when exert force to shell returning to initial position when obstacle does not provide additional effort |
Families Citing this family (24)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6178730B1 (en) * | 1998-05-22 | 2001-01-30 | Thomas R. Visser | Single shaker head harvesting apparatus and method |
| US6463725B1 (en) * | 2000-09-18 | 2002-10-15 | Oxbo International Corporation | Tree harvester trunk seal |
| US6557335B2 (en) | 2001-02-15 | 2003-05-06 | Premier Mechanical Orchard Services, L.L.C. | Mechanical harvester and continuous row harvesting method for use in overhead trellis systems |
| US20040216442A1 (en) * | 2003-05-02 | 2004-11-04 | Briesemeister Richard A. | Tree shaker apparatus |
| US7082744B2 (en) * | 2003-10-22 | 2006-08-01 | Oxbo International Corporation | Vehicle stabilizer system |
| US7921628B2 (en) * | 2004-09-14 | 2011-04-12 | Westside Equipment Company | Small scale tomato harvester |
| US7581375B2 (en) * | 2004-09-14 | 2009-09-01 | Westside Equipment Co. | Small scale tomato harvester |
| US7694502B2 (en) | 2004-09-14 | 2010-04-13 | Westside Equipment Co. | Small scale tomato harvester |
| FR2888466B1 (en) * | 2005-07-12 | 2008-12-05 | Pellenc Sa | SELF-CENTERING COLD RECOVERY HEAD FOR A SMALL-FRUIT RECOVERY MACHINE, AND MACHINE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A HARVESTING HEAD. |
| FR2911754B1 (en) * | 2007-01-29 | 2010-03-05 | Pellenc Sa | REMOVABLE HINGE FLOOR FOR RECEIVING FLOOR EQUIPPED WITH SMALL FRUIT HARVESTING MACHINES |
| US20100083629A1 (en) * | 2008-10-07 | 2010-04-08 | Klotzbach Karl W | Flexible cutterbar support apparatus with integral adjustable torsional preload mechanism and vibration damper |
| US8117814B2 (en) * | 2010-01-11 | 2012-02-21 | Rupinder Singh Sidhu | Crop catching apparatus and crop harvesting machine employing the same |
| FR2968164B1 (en) * | 2010-12-07 | 2013-11-08 | Pellenc Sa | (EN) FLOCKWALL SCREW FOR FLOOD COLLECTION HEAD OF SMALL FRUIT HARVESTING AND HARVESTING HEAD IN APPLYING. |
| NL2009207C2 (en) * | 2012-07-19 | 2013-05-01 | Driessen Blueberries B V | DEVICE SUITABLE FOR HARVESTING FRUIT PENDING ON A PLANT AND A METHOD FOR HARVESTING HARVESTING FRUIT PENDING ON A PLANT. |
| US9060465B2 (en) * | 2012-09-19 | 2015-06-23 | Oxbo International Corporation | Trunk shaker isolator |
| US9750188B2 (en) * | 2015-08-11 | 2017-09-05 | The United States Of America, As Represented By The Secretary Of Agriculture | Berry catcher system |
| US10045484B2 (en) * | 2016-02-12 | 2018-08-14 | A & B Packing Equipment, Inc. | Shaped conveyor system for a harvester |
| US10039228B2 (en) * | 2016-05-17 | 2018-08-07 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Multi-segmented deck plate auto adjustment mechanism for a harvester row unit |
| RS60564B1 (en) * | 2017-07-03 | 2020-08-31 | Kokanovic Momcilo | Pneumatic cushion for soft catching of picked fruit in mechanized fruit harvesters |
| ES2718554B2 (en) * | 2017-12-29 | 2020-03-06 | Cosechadoras Rolif S L | INTEGRATED DOUBLE UTILITY EQUIPMENT FOR THE COLLECTION AND TREATMENT OF FRUITS IN TREES |
| US20190281764A1 (en) * | 2018-03-13 | 2019-09-19 | Oxbo International Corporation | Berry harvester |
| US12232449B2 (en) * | 2020-06-18 | 2025-02-25 | Oxbo International Corporation | Flexible catcher assembly for berry harvester |
| USD936112S1 (en) | 2020-06-29 | 2021-11-16 | Oxbo International Corporation | Berry harvester catcher |
| RS67314B1 (en) | 2023-02-07 | 2025-11-28 | Kokanovic Momcilo | System of disc combs for soft reception of fruits in a mechanized fruit picker |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3771301A (en) * | 1972-01-04 | 1973-11-13 | Bowie Ind Inc | Hydraulically actuated device for shaking trees |
| US3866401A (en) * | 1972-09-25 | 1975-02-18 | Up Right Inc | Harvesting machine with under-vine closure |
| US4984421A (en) * | 1988-10-27 | 1991-01-15 | Maurice Dreux | Process and machine for harvesting fruits or similar items scattered on the ground |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3667797A (en) * | 1971-01-13 | 1972-06-06 | Edward D Kilby | Cushioning device |
| US3696597A (en) * | 1971-04-16 | 1972-10-10 | Spencer B Sitter | Resilient linkage for limb shaker |
| US5101618A (en) * | 1991-03-04 | 1992-04-07 | Oldridge Tommy L | Vine comber pivoting counterforce brush |
| US5109657A (en) * | 1991-05-10 | 1992-05-05 | Devries Jeffrey S | Receiving system for a berry harvester |
| US5181373A (en) * | 1992-02-07 | 1993-01-26 | Littau Eugene G | Harvester with moving guide |
| US5341630A (en) * | 1993-10-04 | 1994-08-30 | Littau Eugene G | Catcher plate assembly for a harvester |
-
1995
- 1995-10-25 US US08/547,855 patent/US5647194A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1996
- 1996-10-24 AU AU75206/96A patent/AU7520696A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-10-24 WO PCT/US1996/017061 patent/WO1997015182A1/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3771301A (en) * | 1972-01-04 | 1973-11-13 | Bowie Ind Inc | Hydraulically actuated device for shaking trees |
| US3866401A (en) * | 1972-09-25 | 1975-02-18 | Up Right Inc | Harvesting machine with under-vine closure |
| US4984421A (en) * | 1988-10-27 | 1991-01-15 | Maurice Dreux | Process and machine for harvesting fruits or similar items scattered on the ground |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2939273A1 (en) * | 2008-12-10 | 2010-06-11 | Pellenc Sa | SMALL FRUIT RECOVERY MACHINE FRUIT TREE PRODUCTS |
| EP2196080A1 (en) * | 2008-12-10 | 2010-06-16 | PELLENC (Société Anonyme) | Machine for harvesting berries produced by fruit arboriculture |
| US8069641B2 (en) | 2008-12-10 | 2011-12-06 | Pellenc (Societe Anonyme) | Harvesting machine for small fruit produced in orchards |
| FR2983677A1 (en) * | 2011-12-13 | 2013-06-14 | Gregoire | Harvest collection device for use with harvesting machine, has envelope deformed when each shell is pivoted into avoidance position when exert force to shell returning to initial position when obstacle does not provide additional effort |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US5647194A (en) | 1997-07-15 |
| AU7520696A (en) | 1997-05-15 |
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